Steamed Artichoke

Why I like this:

Artichokes are a terrific snack choice because they are low in calories and high in fiber. Plus, they help boost immune health because they contain a lot of vitamin C.

Steamed Artichoke

Ingredients:

1 whole artichoke

1/2 of a lemon

1/2 tsp. salt

olive oil for drizzling

Steps:

1) Rinse the artichoke.

2) Cut off the top 1/3 of the arichoke and immediately rub the cut side of the lemon over the exposed area of the artichoke.

3) With scissors, snip off the tip of each of the leaves (bracts).

4) Cut the stem close to the base and rub the lemon over the exposed area.

5) Pour 1/2-1 cup of water in a stock pot (so that there is about a 1/2 inch of water covering the bottom of the pot) and bring to a boil.

6) Place the artichoke head down into the water.

7) Place the lid on the pot and steam for 20 minutes.

8) Remove the lid. Use tongs to flip the artichoke over. Sprinkle the salt on the artichoke and drizzle the olive oil over the artichoke and into the leaves.

9) Add another 1/2-1 cup of water to the pot, replace the lid, and steam for another 20 minutes until an outer leaf pulls off easily with the tongs.

Eat the outer leaves by scraping them with your teeth. To get to the artichoke heart, pull out the sharp, purple leaves, and, with a spoon, scoop out the stringy, middle part and discard.